Porto winner leaves Wenger livid

18 February 2010 08:37

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could not believe the referee allowed FC Porto's second goal to stand as the Gunners lost their Champions League last-16 first leg clash in Portugal 2-1 on Wednesday evening.
Swedish referee Martin Hansson, who was at the centre of controversy in November when he allowed France's goal in their World Cup play-off victory against the Republic of Ireland to stand even though Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up, awarded a free-kick to the hosts after Lukasz Fabianski picked up Sol Campbell's back-pass.
Fabianski then handed the ball to the referee who gave it to Micael who in turn teed up Falcao who coolly rolled a shot into the back of the empty net while the Gunners players were still disputing the original decision.
An incandescent Wenger said: "What can you do about the second goal?
"When do you see the defender kick the ball back with his toe? The ball hit Sol, it was not on purpose and it has to be intentional to be a free-kick.
"It is better than a penalty. It was unbelievable that he allowed Porto to play straightaway and push the ball into the net. I have never seen that and I have been in the game a long time.
"When the referee gives the free-kick he has to allow us a chance to defend it, otherwise it is better to give a goal straight away."